Westpac warns customers of scam

Westpac Banking Corporation is warning customers to ignore emails asking for confidential information, after it found a "ghost" internet banking website offshore.

Westpac said the overseas website had already been shut down but it was possible some of its customers had received a hoax email containing a link to the ghost site.

It said the site was shut down within hours of the email being sent.

"Westpac views all matters of security and confidentiality with the utmost priority and the bank has taken action to have the site investigated via the Australian Federal Police and the FBI," the bank said.

It said customers could check they were linked to the official Westpac internet banking site by checking the URL in their browser window was https://olb.westpac.com.au and clicking on a "locked padlock" icon to check their user certificate.

It said concerned customers should change their internet banking password or contact Westpac Internet Banking on 1300 655 505.